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Rose Heichelbech

The 3 Pearce Sisters (Betty, Shirley, and Earnestine) started The Flirtations in 1962, along with Lestine Johnson, then known as The Gypsies. The four girls were signed to Old Town Records in 1964, but would go on to bigger successes under their second label, Deram (a subsidiary of Decca Records). By the late ’60s, the group would be a trio consisting of Earnestine, Shirley, and newest member Viola Billups, and the group’s name had been changed to The Flirtations.

Whether you’ve been a fan of all of their songs or if you think they’re a one-hit wonder group, there’s no denying that “Nothing But A Heartache” is easily one of the most underrated girl group songs of the late ’60s. While the song only reached no. 34 on the Billboard charts, it remains one of the gems from the era. That driving beat and the poignant lyrics make you want to sing and dance and cry all at once. Have a listen in the clip below from The Beat-Club in 1968. And if you love this then check out another classic from The Temptations right here.